Yesterday a German website called Konsolentreff showed some early images of a Resistance 3 bundle that showed a PSN Pass logo on the side of the box. The logo indicated that the features of the PSN Pass are only available where the PlayStation Store is available.
Clarification on what exactly PSN Pass is came today when Sony Computer Entertainment of America commented saying that the new program will require customers to input a one time code to gain the online capabilities of the game. This is similar to the program that EA introduced last year called EA Online Pass.
“We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering, and starting with Resistance 3 this September, we will be instituting a network pass program for PS3 games with online capabilities,” the spokesperson said.
“This program will be game-specific. Games that are a part of this program will include a single-use registration code that grants the account holder redeeming the code full online access for that title.
“This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio.”
If you buy a used version of a game that is part of the PSN Pass program you will have to buy a code from the PlayStation Store that will allow you to gain the online functions of the game. Sony has not said how much a new code will cost.
This is also in line with rumors of a PlayStation Network overhaul that was reported by UK website Reg Hardware.
Sony said it will announce additional details at a later date.